Quote:
Originally Posted by Jimmy
For starters, they're needed because jet engines are still run by internal combustion. Fuel + oxygen + catylist = fire. Cooler air is denser than hot air, thus containing more oxygen (generally). So you want to scoop/suck the air from the opposite end of the exhaust.
Not on your list is the SR-71.  |
I know air intakes are needed to keep combustion going. I just want to know exactly why variables are needed and what fighters have them.
SR-71 is kind of special. I know it has movable cones to keep the shockwave just outside the intake (I think). It also cruises on ram jets. Something not many other planes run on.
Here's a tangent. The B-70 has wings that can bend down to capture the shockwave it generates when it exceeds the speed of sound. It almost surfs the shockwave to maintain the mach 3 cruising speed. Does it have variable inlets as well?